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NSA Mohib Asks U.S. to Clarify its Strategy, Interests in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, who addressed a ceremony at Hudson Institute in Washington DC, asked the United States to provide clarification on its long-term strategy and interests in Afghanistan.
As peace negotiations between the United States and Taliban continue this week in Qatar in an effort to end the nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan, Mohib warned that reaching an agreement with the Taliban without the government could amount to dishonoring the 9/11 victims and U.S. troops who lost their lives.
“It would be a shame if a deal was made with the terrorists who killed more than 5,400 Americans, and if they were given control of the lives of the Afghan people. That would be a win for those terrorists,” Mohib said. “It would also dishonor the one million Americans who have served in Afghanistan.”
In Mohib’s view, the Taliban can “absolutely not” be trusted to live up to any promises from its side of the bargain should a final agreement be inked.
“How can you trust a terrorist group? The Taliban have been asking for things, and they have been given everything they have asked for and have not delivered on anything since. Their demand was that they wanted to talk to the U.S. directly, one discussion and then they would switch to an inter-Afghan dialogue so that a deal could be reached,” he said. “That has not been the case, they are still standing on what they want.”
“Their wish is for a total U.S. withdrawal and that continues to be their demand. But they are not willing to budge on their support of terrorist activity and terrorist groups. They can’t move away from their DNA,” Mohib said.
The Afghan NSA also said that the Afghan people have serious concerns and fears about a process in pursuit of peace.
“Now we would ask the United States to provide clarification on what its long-term strategy and interests are in our country,” he said. “I think what no one is prepared for are any sudden changes to our partnerships that fall outside the boundaries of our guiding documents or that betray all both countries have invested to build over the past two decades.”
In a series of tweets, the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass reacted toward the remarks of NSA Mohib.
“Americans and Afghans have stood shoulder to shoulder to fight terror, build better future for Afghanistan. We each have a sacred duty to honor our fallen heroes and citizens in everything we do,”
“For this American, Afghan corruption and misuse of equipment, funds, and other support provided by the American people dishonors the memory of our fallen,”
“So do any Afghans who put their personal or political interests ahead of the national interest and the opportunity right now to achieve the goal for which so many have sacrificed: peace in Afghanistan,” Bass tweeted.
The ban on opium cultivation precipitated a staggering $1.3 billion loss in farmers’ incomes, equivalent to approximately 8 percent of the country’s GDP, the World Bank said in a new report.
The bank said that over the past two fiscal years, the real GDP of Afghanistan contracted by 26 percent, and the country’s economic outlook remains uncertain, with the threat of stagnation looming large until at least 2025.
According to the report, structural deficiencies in the private sector and waning international support for essential services are anticipated to impede any semblance of economic progress.
Half of Afghanistan’s population lives in poverty and 15 million people face food insecurity, it noted.
“Afghanistan’s long-term growth prospects depend on a significant shift from its previous reliance on consumption-driven growth and international aid to a more resilient, private sector-led economy that capitalizes on the country’s strengths,” said Melinda Good, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan.
“For a sustainable future, Afghanistan needs to address harmful gender policies, invest in health and education, and focus on the comparative advantages it has in the agricultural and extractive sectors.”
The World Bank pointed out that the increase in Afghanistan’s trade deficit is another challenge for the country’s economy. According to the bank’s report, in 2023, Afghanistan’s imports increased by 23% and reached $7.8 billion.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) announced Sunday that its delegation is attending the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Gambian capital Banjul.
The two-day summit of the heads of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation started on Saturday. World leaders from the 57 member countries of the OIC and beyond are expected to attend, said the OIC in a statement ahead of the summit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said that its spokesman and head of the department of international organizations of the ministry are representing the IEA at the OIC summit.
The statement said that in addition to participating in the general session, the delegation will meet with high-ranking officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and representatives of its member countries to discuss various issues.
Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has welcomed Turkey’s move to suspend trade with Israel over its war on Gaza.
Muttaqi expressed his appreciation during a meeting with Turkish Charge d’Affaires Cenk Unal in Kabul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released Sunday.
The meeting also focused on bilateral relations, recent positive developments in Afghanistan, the visits of political and economic delegations to Afghanistan from several countries.
FM Muttaqi underlined the commencing of trade with Turkey through the Lapis Lazuli route and opening of joint exhibitions in Turkey and Afghanistan.
According to the statement, the Turkish envoy said that they are happy with the recent developments in Afghanistan, and joined efforts need to be made for the further expansion of Turkey-Afghanistan relations.
He added that in the next few days, Turkish Airlines will commence its flights to Kabul.
The two sides reiterated promoting synergy to meet the expectations of the people of the two countries, given the historical backdrops and good bilateral relations, the statement said.
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